Timeline
19:40
Drive up to Mount Ainslie. Park near the peak and find a spot to look out over the city. The sun is setting toward the WSW, painting the landscape in warm light.
20:20
Watch the sun dip below the horizon. This is your moment. The view rivals Black Mountain, offering a sweeping perspective of the capital.
20:40
Begin your descent. The light is fading, so drive carefully back down the mountain.
21:05
Stop at Mount Pleasant on the way down. It is a short drive from the peak and offers a different angle, overlooking the Royal Military College. The evening air is cool and quiet.
21:50
Check the route to your dinner spot. The city is now lit up, and the transition from the mountain to the suburbs is complete.
Local tip
The drive from Mount Ainslie to the city center is straightforward, but ensure you have enough fuel or charge for the return if you plan to explore further. The view is best in summer evenings when the sun sets later.
Check before you go
- Mount Ainslie is accessible by car. Check local traffic conditions if driving.
- Sunset times vary by season. In January, it is around 20:20. In July, it is much earlier at 17:09.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Canberra (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).